Chapter 4 Summary

Francois understands what has happened when Spitz doesn't appear in camp the next morning. As the men make ready to harness the dogs, Buck steps into the place Spitz had previously occupied. Francois tries to put more experienced sled dog in that position, but Buck refuses to join the team until the man relents and harnesses him in the leader's spot.

Francois is surprised when Buck excels in his new role. Buck is particularly good at making the other dogs follow the rules he establishes. During the time that Buck and Spitz had been fighting, the team had become undisciplined and inefficient. Now that Buck had succeeded in becoming the leader, he loses no time enforcing his rules. The team makes excellent time on the trail under Buck's leadership, and the men are happy as they travel at record speed along the trail...